Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus (MEL-ih-tus), often referred to as diabetes, is characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that result from the body’s inability to produce enough insulin and/or effectively utilize the insulin. Diabetes is a serious, life-long condition and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism (the body's way of digesting food and converting it into energy). There are three forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that accounts for five- to 10-percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes may account for 90- to 95-percent of all diagnosed cases. The third type of diabetes occurs in pregnancy and is referred to as gestational diabetes. Left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause health issues for pregnant women and their babies. People with diabetes can take preventive steps to control this disease and decrease the risk of further complications.
Recently Answered
- Q What are some good portable snacks for people with diabetes?
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Eating healthfully can be a challenge when you travel constantly or feel like you live in your car. One helpful hint is to keep a small insulated cooler and some cold packs in your car for storing food. Packing cut up fresh fruit and vegetables are a... Full Answer
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- Q What should I do if I am diagnosed with diabetes?
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The following are the first steps you need to take if you are diagnosed with diabetes: Step 1: Learn more -- and follow up. Knowledge is power. Learn more from diabetes books, websites, or classes. Just be sure to get your information from... Full Answer
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- Q How can I support a family member who has diabetes?
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Caring about someone who has diabetes offers special challenges. Here’s how you can help: Get an education in diabetes care. Be supportive, but don’t take on the role of caretaker. Learn to listen without offering advice or criticism. Be... Full Answer
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- Q What is a diabetes educator?
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William Lee Dubois, Endocrinology, Diabetes & MetabolismDiabetes educators are specialists whose job it is to help you understand your diabetes better and teach you what you can do to keep it in good control. Diabetes educators come in several flavors. A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is typically a nurse... Full Answer
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- Q Is diabetes treatment costly?
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Most people with diabetes spend two to three times more money on medical care than people without diabetes. If you have diabetes, your healthcare costs will be about $11,744 each year -- and over half of that will be due to diabetes. In fact,... Full Answer
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- Q How should I plan for a pregnancy if I have diabetes?
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If you have diabetes, there's a lot you can do to protect your health and the health of your baby. Follow these steps: Talk to your diabetes care team and an obstetric provider now, before you become pregnant. Your medical team can: Explain the... Full Answer
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- Q What should I eat if I have diabetes?
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Knowing what to eat can be confusing. Everywhere you turn, there is news about what is or isn't good for you. Some basic principles have weathered the fad diets and have stood the test of time. Here are a few tips on making healthful food choices... Full Answer
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- Q What are some common symptoms of diabetes?
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Many people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all. That is why diabetes is often called a silent disease. But if you have any of the following symptoms of diabetes you should definitely see your health care professional for a blood... Full Answer
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- Q How does vitamin D affect people with diabetes?
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There has been much research into vitamin D in recent years, with studies suggesting that it plays a role in everything from building strong bones to preventing cancer, improving mental health, protecting against heart disease and much more. Improved... Full Answer
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- Q Is there a cure for diabetes?
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There is currently no cure for diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic disease. A person diagnosed with diabetes will ALWAYS have diabetes. The only change that a person can make is to be either controlled or uncontrolled. A controlled diabetic meets all... Full Answer
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